MAMMOGRAMS AND PAP SMEARS

Definition

This topic refers to breast examinations and pap smear tests for women to detect breast and cervical cancer or the presence of pre-cancerous cells, and focusses on the regularity and frequency of screening practices.

Population

Information was collected for all female persons aged 18 and over in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS).

Methodology

Data was collected within the Cancer module as additional questions for the female population aged 18 years and over.

Respondents were first asked whether they agreed to answering questions about mammograms. If respondents agreed, they were asked whether they had ever had a mammogram. Those who ever had a mammogram were then asked why did they have their last mammogram, choosing from the following responses:

• Symptoms of cancer present
• Family history of breast cancer
• Had breast cancer in the past
• Referred by doctor
• Participating in a screening programme
• Regular annual check-up
• Other reason

More than one response was allowed.

Respondents who ever had a mammogram were then asked whether they have regular mammograms. If respondents had only had one mammogram they were sequenced to the pap smear test questions. Those who have regular mammograms were asked how often they usually have a mammogram. Those who do not have regular mammograms were asked whether they have a mammogram at least every 2 years.

All female respondents aged 18 years and over were asked whether they agreed to answering questions about pap smears tests. If respondents agreed they were asked whether they had ever had a pap smear test. Those who ever had a pap smear test were then asked whether they have regular pap smear tests. If respondents had regular pap smear test they were asked what is the usual time between their pap smear tests. Those who do not have regular pap smear tests were asked whether they have a pap smear test at least every 2 years.

Respondents who ever had a pap smear test were asked when did they have their last pap smear test.

Respondents who ever had a pap smear test but not regularly were then asked whether they have had more than one pap smear test.

Data items

The data items and related output categories for this topic are available in Excel spreadsheet format from the Downloads page of this product.

Interpretation

Points to be considered in interpreting data for this topic include the following:

• The potentially sensitive and personal nature of these question may have impacted on respondents willingness to respond. Due to allowing respondents to disagree to answering these questions the remaining responses should have been willingly completed. Those who did not answer the questions can be identified on the data items in the 'Form not answered' category.
• A possible tendency for some respondents to report recommended or desirable frequencies of mammogram and pap smear testing rather than actual practices may influence the data.

Comparability with 2004-05 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS)

Data for common items are considered comparable between the 2004-05 NATSIHS and 2012-13 NATSIHS, however, remote females in 2004-05 were not asked when they last had a pap smear test. It should also be noted that in 2004-05 non-remote females completed the questions privately on a separate paper form and could disagree to answering the questions by not completing the form. In 2004-05, remote females had no opportunity to choose not to complete the questions and this may have affected the quality of the data.

Comparability with 2008 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS)

Mammogram and pap smear information was not collected in the 2008 NATSISS.

Comparability with 2011-12 National Health Survey (NHS)

Mammogram and pap smear information was not collected in the 2011-12 NHS.

Previous Page

Next Page